25 Delicious Savoury and Sweet Ways to Serve Rice Cakes. And Rice Cakes Are Ideal For Your Parrot, Too!

Rice cakes have had a bit of an unfair reputation over the years. Too often they are seen as the “diet food” of the snack world, dry, dull, and only eaten by people pretending they don’t want biscuits.

But rice cakes deserve better.

They are light, crunchy, endlessly versatile, and the perfect blank canvas for both sweet and savoury toppings. 

Whether you want a quick breakfast, a speedy lunch, a post-work snack, or even a surprisingly satisfying dessert, rice cakes can step up beautifully.

They are also budget-friendly, easy to store, and ideal for using up leftovers in the fridge. A forgotten avocado, half a tub of hummus, or that last spoonful of peanut butter can all find a happy home on a rice cake.

Here are 25 delicious ways to serve rice cakes that prove they are far more exciting than their reputation suggests.

Savoury Rice Cake Ideas

1. Avocado and Chilli Flakes

A classic for good reason. Smash ripe avocado onto a rice cake, season with sea salt, black pepper, and a pinch of chilli flakes.

Simple and excellent.

2. Hummus and Cucumber

Spread generously with hummus and top with thin cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch.

3. Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon

A little luxury on a rice cake. Add cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon.

4. Peanut Butter and Sriracha

Trust the process. The creamy peanut butter and spicy kick work brilliantly together.

5. Egg Mayo and Cress

Perfect for lunch and much lighter than traditional sandwiches.

6. Tuna and Sweetcorn

A classic jacket potato filling that works surprisingly well here, too.

7. Cottage Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes

Fresh, high-protein, and ideal for a quick healthy snack.

8. Pesto and Mozzarella

Top with sliced mozzarella and a little cracked pepper for an Italian-inspired bite.

9. Guacamole and Salsa

Like tiny crunchy nachos, but less messy.

10. Brie and Cranberry Sauce

Unexpectedly festive and dangerously easy to keep making. And eating!

11. Chicken and Sweet Chilli Sauce

Great for using up leftover roast chicken.

12. Marmite and Butter

Bold, salty, and definitely not for everyone.

Choose your side carefully.

13. Houmous and Roasted Peppers

Sweet roasted peppers add colour and serious flavour.

14. Prawn and Marie Rose Sauce

Retro? Yes. Delicious? Also yes.

15. Cheese and Pickle

Like a pub lunch, but crunchier.

Sweet Rice Cake Ideas

16. Peanut Butter and Banana

The king of sweet rice cake toppings.

Reliable, filling, and genuinely tasty.

17. Greek Yoghurt and Honey

A lovely breakfast option with a little drizzle of honey.

18. Chocolate Spread and Strawberries

This feels slightly rebellious for something served on a rice cake.

19. Almond Butter and Blueberries

Fresh, fruity, and a little more sophisticated.

20. Cream Cheese and Jam

Like a shortcut cheesecake situation.

21. Apple Slices and Cinnamon

Crunch on crunch, with a lovely warming flavour.

22. Ricotta and Fresh Figs

Perfect if you want something that feels a bit fancy.

23. Biscoff Spread

Let us all be honest here. this is what many rice cakes were always destined for.

24. Mascarpone and Berries

Dessert disguised as a snack.

Very clever.

25. Honey, Banana and Crushed Walnuts

Sweet, crunchy, and excellent with a cup of tea.

Final Rice Cake Thoughts

Rice cakes are not boring.

They are simply waiting for better PR.

Whether you love sweet toppings, savoury combinations, or somewhere gloriously in between, rice cakes are one of the easiest ways to create quick, satisfying snacks without much effort.

They may never replace proper toast, and they are unlikely to challenge the mighty crisp sandwich for national importance, but they absolutely deserve a place in the kitchen cupboard.

And frankly, once you have tried one loaded with brie and cranberry sauce, there may be no going back.

And it's not only humans that like rice cakes. Our African Grey loves them. Though we do make sure to only provide her with salt free rice cakes.

Detox Diets: The Truth Your Liver Already Knows

Every January, social media fills with promises of “detox teas,” “cleanse plans,” juice fasts, and miracle diets claiming to flush toxins from your body and reset your health. 

Celebrities sip green liquids, influencers swear by three-day lemon cleanses, and suddenly everyone seems convinced their body needs rescuing.

But here’s the awkward truth: your body already has a full-time detox team, and it doesn’t need help from a £29.99 tea bag.

The real science of detoxing is far less glamorous but much more effective.

Your body’s main detox organs are your liver, kidneys, lungs, digestive system, and even your skin. These systems work around the clock to process waste, filter harmful substances, and remove what your body doesn’t need.

Your liver is the real star of the show. It breaks down alcohol, medications, metabolic waste, and other compounds so they can be safely removed. 

Your kidneys filter your blood and help eliminate waste through urine. Your lungs remove carbon dioxide. Your digestive system handles the rest.

In short: if these organs are working properly, you are already detoxing.

That expensive “detox juice” isn’t replacing your liver. Thankfully.

Many detox diets rely on dramatic claims but very little evidence. Juice cleanses, for example, often involve severe calorie restriction and a lack of protein, fat, and fibre. You may lose weight quickly, but most of that is water, glycogen, and sheer misery, not “toxins.”

Detox teas are often just laxatives in clever packaging. They can cause dehydration, digestive upset, and the sudden realisation that you should never trust a celebrity selling herbal bowel movements.

Some plans even suggest cutting entire food groups or surviving on cayenne pepper and lemon water. That isn’t wellness. That is culinary punishment.

The reason people often feel “better” after a detox is usually because they temporarily stop drinking heavily, eating ultra-processed food, or surviving entirely on takeaway pizza and regret. That improvement comes from healthier habits, not magical detox powder.

There is no scientific evidence that commercial detox products remove toxins more effectively than your body already does.

If you genuinely want to support your body’s natural detox systems, the advice is beautifully boring: drink enough water, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, limit alcohol, exercise regularly, and don’t smoke.

Not exactly Instagram-worthy, but very effective.

Of course, if someone has actual liver or kidney problems, they need medical care, not celery juice and optimism.

The wellness industry loves the word “detox” because it sounds powerful and urgent. But real health is rarely dramatic. It is usually found in consistency, common sense, and remembering that your liver has been doing this job for free your entire life.

So next time someone offers you a seven-day miracle cleanse, thank them politely, and go have a proper meal instead.

Healthy Eating or Holy Eating? When Food Starts to Feel Like a Religion

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to eat well.

Choosing fresh vegetables, cooking from scratch, cutting back on ultra-processed food, drinking more water, and paying attention to what goes on your plate are all sensible things. 

Most of us could probably do with a little more balance and a little less beige.

But somewhere along the way, for some people, healthy eating stopped being a lifestyle choice and started looking suspiciously like a religion.

You know the type.

They do not simply avoid sugar, they speak of it as if it were an ancient evil spirit. Bread is treated like a criminal offence. A biscuit with your tea is apparently the nutritional equivalent of setting fire to your internal organs. 

They speak in hushed, reverent tones about gut health, fermented things, and seeds that cost more per gram than gold.

Suddenly lunch is not lunch. It's a moral decision.

There are food commandments. There are forbidden foods. There are approved gurus. There are social media prophets standing in spotless kitchens telling you that one blueberry and a spoonful of chia seeds will transform your life.

And heaven help you if you dare to enjoy a crisp, or worse, even one chip!

Food has become identity. People do not just eat a certain way, they become it.

Keto. Paleo. Carnivore. Raw. Clean eating. Plant-based. Gluten-free by choice rather than need. Every tribe comes with rules, hashtags, and the occasional evangelist trying to convert you over brunch.

Of course, some people follow these diets for genuine medical or ethical reasons, and that deserves respect. But there is a difference between thoughtful choices and nutritional righteousness.

The trouble starts when food becomes less about nourishment and enjoyment and more about virtue signalling. When someone cannot simply eat a salad, they must announce it like they have personally solved climate change.

Even worse, guilt sneaks in. People start believing they are “good” for eating grilled salmon and “bad” for having toast and jam. Meals become moral tests instead of meals.

That is not healthy. That is exhausting.

Food should support life, not dominate it. It should bring pleasure, comfort, celebration, and yes, sometimes cake.

A balanced diet should also include balance of mind. If your eatifng habits make you anxious, judgemental, or terrified of birthday parties, something has gone slightly off the rails.

Healthy eating is a good thing.

But if your smoothie requires the devotion of a medieval monk and your oat milk is discussed with missionary zeal, it might be time to step away from the altar.

Sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is have the pasta.

Swoon Gelato Celebrates a Decade on College Green with a Gold Card Giveaway

The UK's most decorated dessert producer marks ten years of artisan gelato in Bristol with an exclusive anniversary competition.

Award-winning artisan gelato brand Swoon is celebrating a landmark milestone this spring: ten years since it first opened its doors on College Green in the heart of Bristol. 

To mark a decade of handcrafted gelato, the brand is launching a once-in-a-generation competition, giving one lucky winner a Gold Card entitling them to free gelato for an entire year.

Founded in 2016 by Bruno Forte, whose Italian family introduced handmade gelato to Great Britain over 120 years ago, Swoon began its journey at 31a College Green, Bristol, with a simple but unwavering belief: that every life is made a little better by gelato. 

Ten years on, that belief has been rewarded with in excess of 100 Great Taste stars, a Supreme Champion title at the Great Taste Awards 2019, and a loyal following that stretches far beyond Bristol.

“College Green is where it all began. My Italian family introduced handmade gelato to the UK over a hundred years ago, and when we opened on College Green ten years ago, we were bringing that tradition home in a new way. 

"Every scoop we've served there has been made with the same love and the same belief in quality that drives everything we do. Reaching ten years feels extraordinary, and we wanted to celebrate with the community that made it possible.” Bruno Forte, Founder, Swoon Gelato told That's Food and Drink.

Swoon remains very much a family affair. Bruno's wife Ana Maria leads the brand's marketing and digital strategy, while co-founder Pat Powell,  Bruno's sister, is the creative force behind the brand's instantly recognisable chic black-and-white aesthetic, overseeing everything from shop design to packaging. 

Guiding the business through its next phase of growth is CEO Simon Blagden, one of the most experienced operators in the UK hospitality industry. Simon was previously operations director at PizzaExpress before joining Jamie Oliver's restaurant group, where he headed the celebrity chef's restaurant business from its launch in 2008, overseeing the full breadth of Oliver's hospitality businesses, from the charity restaurant Fifteen to his high-street restaurant empire. 

His depth of experience in scaling quality food brands makes him a natural fit to lead Swoon into its next decade.

To mark the anniversary, Swoon will hold a private gathering at College Green on Thursday 30th April 2026, a celebration of the people, the craft and the community that have been central to the brand's journey. As part of the festivities, Swoon will be running a special anniversary competition: one winner will receive a Swoon Gold Card, granting them free gelato at any Swoon bar for a full year. Full details of how to enter will be announced via Swoon's social channels in the lead-up to the event.

The College Green bar, the brand's spiritual home, remains open seven days a week, from 10am until 10pm.

The anniversary comes at a moment of significant momentum for the brand. Swoon has also recently opened its sixth location, at 79a Parchment Street in Winchester, continuing its expansion across southern England. The brand now operates bars in Bristol, Bath, Oxford, Winchester, and a permanent concession within Selfridges Foodhall on London's Oxford Street, with further openings planned.

Throughout its ten years, Swoon has remained steadfastly committed to the principles it was founded on: provenance, craft, and the very best ingredients, among them Somerset milk and Sicilian pistachios from the renowned Bronte growing region. All gelato recipes are developed exclusively for Swoon by Bologna-based gelato maestro Stefano Tarquinio of the Gelato University.

From a single gelato bar on College Green to the UK's most decorated dessert producer, the first decade has been quite a ride. The next one is already underway.

Key Anniversary Facts

Anniversary private gathering: Thursday 30th April 2026, College Green, Bristol

Anniversary competition: Win a Swoon Gold Card — free gelato for one year

College Green opening hours: 10am–10pm, 7 days a week

Address: 31a College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TB

Website: www.swoononaspoon.co.uk

Father's Day Gifts: Save £8.50 on top-scoring Trevethan 1929 Gin at Sainsbury's

As cinema found its voice and the world embraced the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, a Cornish chauffeur named Norman Trevethan was quietly crafting his own masterpiece, a classic 'bathtub gin' inspired by London's historic gin palaces. 

Nearly a century later, that original 1929 recipe has been revived, refined and reimagined by chemist-turned-master distiller John Hall, after a trip to a whisky distillery inspired him to go into the drinks business. Introducing Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin, a spirit steeped in heritage, and perfected by science. 

The award-winning Cornish gin is available at a special promotional price in Sainsbury's from the 10-30 June.  The super luxe gin is reduced from £38 to £29.50 with a Nectar card – offering a touch of luxe for less, just in time for Father's Day gifting and hosting.

Trevethan Distillery achieved significant recognition in the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) - one of the toughest drinks competitions in the world. In  2021, Trevethan was named 'UK Gin Distillery of the year, ' and a year later the gin scored 98/100 in a blind tasting: a record for the London Dry category at the time, and an 'outstanding' gold medal. 

Crafted in Cornwall and perfected by science, Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin (43% ABV | 70cl | RRP £38) is distilled using the traditional London Dry method. It balances ten botanicals with precision and poise – juniper, coriander and angelica forming its classic backbone, layered with orange and lemon peel, cassia, cardamom and vanilla. Locally foraged Cornish elderflower and gorse flower lend a soft floral elegance, bringing warmth and romance to every sip.

The result is beautifully structured and expressive: bold juniper and bright citrus open the palate, unfolding into gentle florals and herbal complexity before finishing smooth with a subtle spiced sweetness. Venues such as Cici's Bar at Paul Ainsworth's No.6 in Padstow, Lympstone Manor, and Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling MBE serve the gin in G&Ts and cocktails.

Housed in a striking Art Deco-inspired bottle, Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin looks as stunning on your drinks cabinet as it does in a G&T. This is the perfect centrepiece for summer gatherings – celebratory toasts and moments.

The Perfect Serve

For a refreshing springtime G&T, the dream way to serve Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin is to  fill the glass with ice, then the tonic, followed by the gin so the botanicals are not disrupted. 

John Hall told That's Food and Drink: “There is one rule in my house  on how to make a G&T. Add the gin first! As a distiller, and if you're interested in the chemistry of gin, then you'll know tonic water and gin have very different density levels. 

If you pour gin over ice immediately you'll shock the botanical oils within the gin, and this will destroy the balance of the drink. If we  put the ice in first, then the tonic, stir, and then the gin in last, what happens is the gin will cool a lot more slowly.

"As the gin cools, the lighter density of te gin starts to slowly match the density of the tonic.  The slower cooling is much less of a 'shock' to the gin. This way you'll get a much more balanced drink, the best G&T you've ever tried, with the flavour shining through.” 

Garnish a Trevethan G&T  with a twist of orange peel and a sprig of rosemary to enhance its citrus brightness and juniper depth – a gin steeped in history, made with passion and perfected by science, Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin is almost a century in the making – a timeless spirit designed to be shared.

For more information, visit:

https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/trevethan-handcrafted-cornish-dry-gin-70cl 

English Whisky’s Goldilocks Moment. And Why Bristol Is Bottling It Beautifully

For years, whisky conversations in Britain have tended to begin and end north of the border.

 Scotland had the headlines, the heritage, and the tourists buying tartan-labelled bottles at airports.

But quietly, and rather stylishly, England has been getting on with making some seriously good whisky of its own.

And right now, according to Bristol’s Circumstance Distillery, English whisky is sitting in a perfect little “Goldilocks Zone”.

Not too young. Not too established. Just right.

Founded in 2018 in Bristol’s industrial heartland, Circumstance Distillery has built its name on a simple but clever idea: flavour first, rules second.

Unlike Scotch, which has centuries of tradition and enough regulations to make your head spin faster than a cask-strength dram, English whisky still has room to play. Yes, it must still meet the legal basics — grain-based, matured for at least three years in wooden casks, and bottled at 40% ABV or above — but beyond that, the playground is wide open.

Founder Liam Hirt puts it brilliantly.

England, he says, has enough maturity for spirits to be genuinely good, but the industry is still young enough to stay experimental. In short: “the conditions are just right.”

Think less “we’ve always done it this way” and more “what happens if we try this?”

At Circumstance, that means working with malted and unmalted barley, rye, wheat, unusual yeast strains, and cask experiments that would probably make a traditionalist on Islay reach for the smelling salts.

The result? Whisky with personality.

Their Organic Single Grain Wheat Whisky is affectionately described as a “breakfast whisky” which sounds alarming until you realise it means soft, elegant, and dangerously easy to drink. With pastry notes, butterscotch, creamy texture and a gentle bready sweetness, it works beautifully neat or as a highball with soda and lemon.

Frankly, if your breakfast is stressful enough, I’m not here to judge.

Then there’s the gloriously chaotic Cask Blend Whisky, created from leftover new make spirit from different mash bills throughout the year. Instead of treating that as a problem, they embraced the uncertainty and filled a cask with it.

Whisky by happy accident? Very British.

Their Estate Whisky, meanwhile, is the house signature, layered with vanilla, citrus, stone fruit and spice, and even picked up a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Add in organic certification, local grain sourcing, spent grain returned to nearby farms, and a genuinely sustainable ethos, and it becomes clear this is not whisky pretending to be Scotch.

It’s whisky confidently being English.

And honestly, about time too.

https://www.circumstancedistillery.com/store

Clear the Shelves: Why It’s Time to Sort Out Your Cookery Book Collection

If you love food, chances are you also love cookery books. 

They start innocently enough, one trusted baking book, a favourite celebrity chef title, perhaps a regional recipe collection from a holiday. 

Then suddenly, your kitchen shelves are groaning under the weight of duplicate slow cooker books, three versions of the same air fryer recipes, and that bread-making guide you swore you’d use during winter.

Sound familiar?

Spring is the perfect time to sort out your cookery book collection, reclaim some shelf space, and make sure your books are actually working for you rather than gathering dust.

Start With an Honest Shelf Audit

Take every cookery book off the shelf and ask yourself a few simple questions:

Have I used this in the last two years?

Would I genuinely cook from it again?

Do I own another book with almost identical recipes?

Is this book still relevant to how I cook now?

Food trends change. Many of us have moved from heavy dinner party cooking to quicker one-pan meals, air fryer recipes, or healthier weekday cooking. That fondue recipe book from 1998 may hold nostalgia,but does it deserve valuable kitchen space?

Duplicates are especially common. You may have bought the same title twice, been gifted copies at Christmas, or inherited books from family members.

Keep the Books That Inspire You

Some cookery books are more than instruction manuals—they are old friends. Family recipe collections, signed books, or the one with the Christmas pudding recipe your grandmother always used deserve pride of place.

Keep the books that genuinely inspire you to cook, not the ones you feel guilty about never opening.

Your kitchen should support your real life, not your fantasy life of making soufflés every Tuesday.

Give Unwanted Books a Second Life

Once you’ve created your “let go” pile, don’t just throw them away.

Charity shops are often delighted to receive clean, good-quality cookery books, especially attractive hardbacks and popular baking titles. Your unwanted books could raise valuable funds for local causes and help someone else discover a new favourite recipe.

You could also donate to cookery lesson charities, community kitchens, food education projects, or organisations teaching young people and adults essential cooking skills. These groups often welcome practical recipe books that can be used in teaching sessions.

Sell Online for Extra Cash

If you have valuable titles, specialist books, or recent bestsellers, selling online can be worthwhile.

Book resale platforms and second-hand book sites make it easy to scan ISBN numbers and get quick offers. This can be especially useful for professional chef books, niche baking guides, or sought-after vintage editions.

Even a few pounds per book can quickly add up, and might help fund a few fresh additions to your “keeper” shelf.

Just be careful not to use the profits as an excuse to buy twenty more books immediately.

Create a Better Kitchen Library

A well-organised cookery book collection should feel useful, inspiring, and enjoyable,not overwhelming.

By clearing duplicates, donating unused titles, and selling books you no longer need, you make space for recipes you’ll actually use and help others along the way.

Sometimes the best recipe for a happier kitchen starts not with cooking, but with a good clear-out.

How to Degloomify Your Kitchen: Brighten Up Dark Spaces Without a Full Refit

Is your kitchen dark and gloomy? Discover simple ways to “degloomify” your kitchen using lighter colours, better lighting, and clever design tricks. No full renovation needed.

There was a time when deep plum, chocolate brown, and rich espresso tones ruled the kitchen. 

They felt warm, sophisticated… even a bit luxurious? 

But fast forward a few years, and those same shades can leave your space feeling heavy, shadowy, and, let’s be honest,a bit miserable.

If you’re flicking the lights on at midday just to make a sandwich, it’s probably time to degloomify your kitchen.

The term (brilliantly coined by my wife, a qualified professional interior designer) perfectly sums up what many homes need right now: a simple, practical refresh that brings light, energy, and usability back into one of the most important rooms in the house.

What Causes a “Gloomy” Kitchen?

Gloom doesn’t just come from colour alone. It’s usually a combination of factors:

Dark cabinetry absorbing natural light

Heavy wall colours (plum, burgundy, deep brown)

Limited reflective surfaces

Poor or outdated lighting

Clutter blocking what light you do have

The result? A kitchen that feels smaller, duller, and far less inviting than it should.

The Art of Degloomifying

The good news is you don’t need a full kitchen refit. A few clever changes can completely transform the mood.

1. Lighten Up Your Colour Palette

Start with the biggest visual surfaces:

Swap dark cabinet doors for lighter tones (cream, soft grey, pale sage)

Repaint walls in light-reflective shades

Consider satin or silk finishes to bounce light around

Even a shift from dark brown to warm neutral can make a dramatic difference.

2. Reflect More Light

If you can’t add more natural light, amplify what you already have:

Install a glass or high-gloss splashback

Choose glossy tiles over matte

Swap handles and fixtures for chrome or brushed steel

Add a strategically placed mirror (yes, even in a kitchen!)

These touches subtly bounce light around the room.

3. Upgrade Your Lighting (Properly)

One central ceiling light won’t cut it anymore.

Layer your lighting:

Under-cabinet LEDs for worktops

Ceiling spots or track lighting for general brightness

Pendant lights for style and focus

Aim for warm white (not harsh blue) to keep things inviting.

4. Declutter and Reclaim Space

A cluttered kitchen blocks both light and mood.

Clear windowsills completely

Reduce countertop appliances where possible

Use open shelving sparingly, and keep it tidy

Store darker items (like bulky cookware) out of sight

Less visual noise = more perceived light.

5. Introduce Natural Touches

Nothing lifts a kitchen quite like a bit of life:

Fresh herbs on the windowsill

A small indoor plant or two

Light wood accessories (chopping boards, utensils)

These elements soften the space and make it feel fresher instantly.

Small Changes, Big Difference

“Degloomifying” isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about restoring balance. Kitchens should feel bright, functional, and welcoming, not like a dimly lit corner of a 2007 design catalogue.

And the best part? You can achieve it without ripping everything out.

A tin of paint, better lighting, and a few smart swaps might be all it takes to completely transform how your kitchen looks. And more importantly, how it feels and how it makes you feel.

Supermarket Discounts for Pensioners: A Helpful Way to Save on Food

Many food retailers offer special discounts for pensioners. Here’s how schemes like Iceland’s Tuesday discount can help stretch the food budget.

With food prices remaining stubbornly high, every saving counts, particularly for pensioners who may be managing on fixed or limited incomes. 

Fortunately, some food retailers recognise this challenge and quietly offer special discounts designed to make grocery shopping a little more affordable.

One example comes from the well-known frozen food retailer Iceland Foods, which offers a 10% discount to pensioners every Tuesday. To take advantage of the offer, shoppers simply need to present their Iceland Bonus Card at the checkout.

It’s a straightforward scheme that can make a meaningful difference over time. A weekly grocery shop of £40, for instance, would drop to £36,  and across a year that saving adds up to more than £200.

Small Discounts, Real Benefits

While a 10% discount may sound modest at first glance, the cumulative effect can be significant. For many older shoppers, particularly those living alone, food shopping is a regular weekly expense. Any reduction in that cost can help free up money for heating, transport, or other essentials.

For disabled shoppers, discounts can also help offset additional costs that others may not think about,  from mobility transport to specialist dietary needs.

Retailers that provide targeted discount days are effectively acknowledging that some members of the community face higher living costs or reduced income.

Loyalty Cards Often Unlock the Savings

Another useful tip is that these discounts are often tied to store loyalty cards. In Iceland’s case, the Bonus Card is required to access the Tuesday pensioner discount.

Loyalty schemes can also bring additional benefits such as:

Cashback or stored savings on the card

Exclusive promotions

Special pricing on selected food items

Occasional vouchers or bonus offers

For shoppers who regularly visit the same supermarket, signing up for the store’s loyalty card is usually well worth the few minutes it takes.

Worth Asking About

Not every retailer heavily advertises these schemes, and sometimes discounts are introduced quietly or vary by location. It can therefore be worth asking at the customer service desk or checking store notices to see whether any pensioner or accessibility discounts are available.

Even if a supermarket does not have a specific discount day, they may offer other helpful schemes such as loyalty rewards, reduced-price “yellow sticker” sections, or community support initiatives.

A Welcome Gesture

At a time when household budgets are under pressure, small gestures from food retailers can make a genuine difference. Discount days for pensioners help stretch food budgets further,  and they also show that businesses are paying attention to the needs of their communities.

Some shops offer blue light discounts for emergency services workers. Others offer discounts for disabled shoppers.

For anyone eligible, it’s certainly worth keeping an eye out for these offers, because when it comes to grocery shopping, every little saving helps.

Incidentally, I tried the Tuesday pensioner discount myself this week on a fairly modest shop and saved nearly £3 on my shopping, proof that these small supermarket discounts really do add up over time.

Whilst waiting for the bus home I crossed the road and reinvested part of the savings in a very pleasant pint of IPA at the local Wetherspoon pub. £1.99 well spent!

Smartening Up Your Kitchen Without a Costly Full Refit

If your kitchen is starting to look a little tired but the thought of an expensive  full refit fills you with dread, there is good news. 

You don’t necessarily need to rip everything out and start again. 

Many homeowners are discovering that a partial kitchen upgrade, such as replacing cupboard doors or installing new worktops, can dramatically refresh a kitchen at a fraction of the cost and disruption of a complete renovation.

This is where experienced kitchen fitters can make a huge difference.

A Simple Upgrade That Makes a Big Impact

Kitchen units are often built to last for decades. The carcasses (that's the industry name for the internal cabinet structures) are usually perfectly serviceable even when the doors and surfaces have begun to look dated or scuffed. 

By replacing just a few key elements, you can achieve a surprisingly dramatic transformation.

Popular upgrades include:

New cupboard doors and drawer fronts

Replacement handles and fittings

Modern worktops in laminate, wood, or quartz

New splashbacks or wall panels

Updated plinths and trims

These changes can make an older kitchen feel completely modern without the need to remove cabinets, re-plumb appliances, or re-tile entire walls.

Cost Savings Compared to a Full Kitchen Replacement

A full kitchen refit can easily cost many thousands of pounds, particularly once installation, plumbing, electrics and flooring are taken into account.

Replacing doors and worktops, however, is typically significantly cheaper because:

Existing cabinet units remain in place

Installation time is shorter

Less building work is required

There is far less disruption to your home

For many households, this approach delivers the look of a new kitchen without the full renovation budget.

Faster and Less Disruptive

Anyone who has lived through a kitchen refit will know how disruptive it can be. Weeks of noise, dust, and takeaway meals or sandwiches are often part of the process.

A door and worktop upgrade can often be completed within a day or two, depending on the size of the kitchen. That means you can quickly enjoy your refreshed space without turning the house upside down.

A More Sustainable Choice

There is also an environmental benefit. By keeping your existing cabinet structures and simply updating the visible elements, you are reducing waste and making better use of materials already in your home.

Rather than sending perfectly usable units to landfill, you are extending their life while still achieving a modern look.

Ideal for Kitchens That Are Structurally Sound

This approach works best when:

Cabinet carcasses are still solid

The kitchen layout works well

Appliances are functioning properly

If the overall design of the kitchen still suits your needs, a cosmetic upgrade may be all that is required.

A Fresh Kitchen Without the Headache

Sometimes a kitchen doesn’t need a full overhaul, just a thoughtful refresh. With the help of skilled kitchen fitters, replacing cupboard doors, worktops, and fittings can give your kitchen a clean, modern appearance without the cost, mess, and upheaval of a full refit.

It’s a practical reminder that sometimes the smartest home improvement is working with what you already have, rather than starting from scratch.

A Taste of Cornwall Delivered to Your Door: Discover The Cornish Company

If you’ve ever visited Cornwall, you’ll know that its food culture is something special. 

From golden, flaky pasties to indulgent cream teas piled high with clotted cream, the county has a culinary identity that is loved across the UK. 

But what if you could enjoy those flavours without travelling hundreds of miles?

That’s exactly what The Cornish Company aims to deliver, quite literally.

Bringing Cornwall to the Rest of the UK

Founded by two Cornish entrepreneurs with a passion for their home county, The Cornish Company was created with a simple goal: share the taste of Cornwall with people everywhere. Their mission was to build a community of people who love traditional Cornish food as much as they do.

Since launching, the company has grown into a fast-expanding e-commerce brand specialising in Cornish food hampers delivered nationwide, helping customers experience authentic regional food without leaving home.

The idea taps into something very British: the joy of a proper cream tea.

The Classic Cornish Cream Tea Experience

A traditional Cornish cream tea is delightfully simple, but incredibly satisfying. It usually consists of freshly baked scones served with strawberry jam and rich Cornish clotted cream, accompanied by a good cup of tea.

The Cornish Company packages this iconic treat into postal hampers that arrive ready to enjoy.

A typical cream tea hamper might include:

Freshly baked scones

Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream

Strawberry conserve

Cornish tea

Traditional Cornish biscuits

Some hampers also include handmade steak pasties, combining two of Cornwall’s most famous foods in one box.

The result is a ready-made afternoon tea experience that can be enjoyed at home or sent as a thoughtful gift.

Hampers That Make Perfect Gifts

Food hampers have become increasingly popular for birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations, and Cornish-themed hampers offer something a little different from the usual chocolates or flowers.

The Cornish Company allows customers to:

Choose a delivery date

Add personalised gift messages

Send hampers anywhere in the UK

With options ranging from classic cream teas for two to larger party hampers packed with pasties, biscuits and sweet treats, there’s something for almost any occasion.

Supporting Cornish Food Heritage

Another appealing aspect of the brand is its commitment to sourcing from Cornwall. The company works with local suppliers to showcase the region’s food traditions and artisanal producers.

In doing so, each hamper acts as a small celebration of Cornish food culture, from its famous dairy products to its beloved pastries.

A Little Box of Cornwall

Whether you’re missing the Cornish coast, planning a cosy afternoon tea at home, or looking for a unique food gift, The Cornish Company offers a simple idea done well: authentic regional food delivered straight to your door.

And if you do order a cream tea hamper, remember the golden rule of Cornwall…

Jam first. Always. 

An interesting personal aside, apparently I have always made my cream teas in the jam first Cornish style, but I just didn't know it!

https://thecornishcompany.com

Celebrate Chinese Language Day with a Chinese Food and Drink Party at Home

Every year on Chinese Language Day (20 April), people around the world celebrate one of the oldest and most influential languages in human history. 

The day recognises the beauty of the Chinese written and spoken language and honours Cangjie, the legendary inventor of Chinese characters.

While language celebrations often involve cultural talks or learning activities, there is another wonderfully enjoyable way to mark the occasion: hosting a Chinese-themed food and drink party at home. 

Combining cuisine, culture, and conversation can make Chinese Language Day both educational and delicious.

A Celebration of Culture Through Food

Chinese cuisine is deeply tied to culture, symbolism, and language. Many traditional dishes have names that reflect prosperity, happiness, or longevity, making them perfect conversation starters during your gathering.

For example:

Dumplings (Jiaozi) – shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots, symbolising wealth and prosperity.

Longevity noodles (Changshou Mian) – long noodles representing long life.

Spring rolls – associated with wealth and renewal, especially during festivals.

By serving these dishes, guests can learn the meanings behind their names while enjoying authentic flavours.

Create a Simple Party Menu

You don’t need a professional kitchen to host a Chinese-inspired feast. A mix of homemade and shop-bought dishes works perfectly.

Consider a menu such as:

Starters

Vegetable spring rolls

Steamed dumplings with soy and chilli dipping sauce

Main dishes

Sweet and sour chicken

Stir-fried vegetables with garlic and ginger

Egg fried rice or chow mein

Side dishes

Chinese cucumber salad

Sesame greens

Dessert

Fortune cookies

Mango pudding or sesame balls

Encourage guests to try using chopsticks for the full experience, it’s a fun challenge and part of the cultural tradition.

Drinks to Match the Occasion

No celebration is complete without drinks to accompany the food. A Chinese-themed party could include:

Jasmine tea – fragrant and refreshing

Oolong tea – perfect alongside richer dishes

Bubble tea (boba) – a playful modern favourite

Chinese rice wine, plum wine or Chinese beer for adults

Serving tea in small cups can also introduce guests to the elegance of Chinese tea culture.

Add a Language Twist

To truly honour Chinese Language Day, incorporate a few simple language elements into your gathering:

Label dishes with Chinese characters and their English translations

Teach guests a few useful phrases such as nǐ hǎo (hello) or xièxiè (thank you)

Write guests’ names in Chinese characters as fun place cards

You could even play a lighthearted game where guests try to guess the meanings of certain Chinese words or characters.

Decor and Atmosphere

Simple decorations can transform your home into a festive setting. Think red and gold tableware, paper lanterns, chopstick holders, and Chinese calligraphy prints. Traditional instrumental music or modern Chinese pop playlists can provide a relaxed background atmosphere.

A Celebration of Language, Culture and Community

Chinese Language Day is about appreciating the richness of one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. Hosting a Chinese food and drink party brings that celebration to life by blending language, cuisine, and shared experiences.

It’s a chance to gather friends, explore a remarkable culture, and perhaps even learn a few Chinese words along the way, all while enjoying some fantastic food.

And really, any celebration that involves dumplings, noodles, and good company is a celebration worth hosting.

NEW: Filled bars From Tony

Tony's have been speaking to That's Food and Drink: "When full-on indulgence is all you're craving.. we're full of it. 

"Meet our brand-new Filled bars: the ultimate sweet relief from your full-on life, packed to the brim with delicious flavours, rich textures and serious impact. 

your fill of indulgent choco 

Our new range includes 3 irresistibly tasty flavours: gooey caramel sea salt crunch, creamy milk chocolate hazelnut crunch + creamy milk chocolate ganache.

As chunky and unequally divided as ever, but now with even more flavour-filled layers.. The combo of chunky chocolate and soft, layered fillings offers creamy, crunchy, and gooey textures in every bite. These new bars are the sweet relief when life feels full, and you just need something.. fuller.  

Yepppp, these Filled bars are so indulgent, it's kinda ridiculous.. Rumour has it there's nothing you can't forget about with a delicious chunk of Tony's filled choco.. at least temporarily. Your laundry? That's a future-you job. Your plans? They're basically asking to be rescheduled. Your mom? You can call her back later.

Psst.. Craving the full low-down on our flavours? Let us fill you in: 

gooey caramel sea salt crunch: Our best-selling flavour, now even more ridiculously indulgent.. Creamy milk chocolate filled to the brim with gooey golden caramel, crunchy caramel pieces and a bold pinch of sea salt. It's everything you crave in every single bite.

creamy milk chocolate ganache: This might be our most indulgent bar yet.. Milk chocolate filled with smooooooth, creamy chocolate ganache. A choco bar so irresistibly tasty, you'll need a moment alone with it.

creamy milk chocolate hazelnut crunch: Irresistible indulgence with a serious bite. This milk chocolate is packed with a deliciously soft hazelnut filling with roasted hazelnut pieces. It's the creamy-crunchy combo you'll go totally nuts over..

choc-full of impact

Full of purpose, our new Filled bars offer choco fans the ultimate feel-good treat that ticks all their boxes, on taste and ethics. 'Cause with Tony's, there are no compromises – just irresistibly tasty chocolate with a chunkin' good mission.

All (yes all!) of our chunky choco is made from ethically sourced cocoa beans. That means we enable cocoa farmers to earn a living income for their families by paying them a higher price long term and investing in their productivity + climate resilience. Plus, we trace all our cocoa from bean to bar! So we know exactly where each bean was farmed and under which conditions. 

And it's crucial that we do.. 'cause millions of cocoa farmers in Ghana + Côte d'Ivoire have been grossly underpaid – for decades. Stuck in poverty, they're left with no choice but to grow more cocoa by clearing forests + turning to their children for help on the farm. The result? Widespread deforestation and 1.5 million kids trapped in child labour.

Tony's exists to change that, but we can't do it alone. And that's where you come in.. 'Cause by enjoying our new Filled bars (or any Tony's Chocolonely product for that matter), you're joining our sweet movement for change! Bar by bar, bite by bite.. until we end exploitation in cocoa.

So go on.. get your fill.

https://uk.tonyschocolonely.com

National Pet Day: Treat Your Four-Legged Family to Something Special

Every year on 11 April, animal lovers celebrate National Pet Day, a day dedicated to recognising the joy, loyalty, and companionship our pets bring into our homes. 

For food lovers and home cooks, it is also the perfect opportunity to celebrate the day through something close to every pet’s heart, a delicious treat.

After all, if food is one of life’s great pleasures for us, why shouldn’t our pets enjoy something special too?

Food Is One of the Ways We Show Love

Anyone who has ever opened a cupboard while a dog waits expectantly or a cat supervises every move in the kitchen knows that pets are deeply interested in what we eat. 

National Pet Day gives us a chance to channel that enthusiasm into safe, pet-friendly treats.

The key word here is safe. Many human foods can be harmful to animals, so it is important to stick to ingredients that are known to be suitable.

For dogs, this might include:

Cooked lean chicken or turkey

Small pieces of carrot or apple

Plain scrambled egg

Homemade peanut-butter dog biscuits (using xylitol-free peanut butter)

Cats, being obligate carnivores, usually appreciate simple protein treats such as:

Small pieces of cooked chicken or fish

Tuna in spring water

Freeze-dried meat treats

Simple, wholesome ingredients are often the best way to mark the occasion.

Bake Something Special

If you enjoy baking, National Pet Day is a great excuse to try making homemade pet treats.

Dog biscuits can be made from simple ingredients like oats, mashed banana, pumpkin purée, or peanut butter. The advantage of making your own is that you know exactly what has gone into them — no mystery additives or fillers.

For cats, baked treats tend to be simpler and meat-based, often using fish or poultry blended with egg and baked gently into small bites.

Not only is this a fun kitchen project, but it also turns National Pet Day into a proper food celebration for the whole household.

A Reminder About Pet Nutrition

While treats are fun, National Pet Day is also a good time to reflect on what we feed our animals every day. Many commercial pet foods contain surprisingly low levels of real meat, particularly cheaper brands.

Animal welfare organisations such as RSPCA often encourage owners to check ingredient lists carefully and choose nutritionally balanced foods appropriate for their pet’s needs.

Just as we increasingly care about the quality of food on our own plates, the same thinking should apply to what ends up in our pets’ bowls.

Celebrating the Animals Who Share Our Table

For many households, pets are very much part of the family. They sit nearby during meals, supervise cooking, and are always hopeful that a tasty morsel might come their way.

National Pet Day is a cheerful reminder that the bond between people and animals often revolves around shared routines, including food.

So whether you bake homemade dog biscuits, open a tin of a favourite treat, or simply offer an extra-generous portion at dinner time, 11 April is the perfect day to spoil the animals who bring so much happiness into our lives.

Because in the end, a happy pet with a full bowl is one of life’s simplest and most heart-warming pleasures.

Celebrate National Siblings Day with a Party to Remember

Food, Fun, and a Dash of Friendly Rivalry

National Siblings Day, celebrated each year on 10 April, is a wonderful excuse to gather the people who know you best, and remember every embarrassing childhood moment. 

While the day is often marked with a quick message or social media post, why not turn it into a proper celebration with a relaxed food-filled get-together?

For food lovers, it’s the perfect opportunity to combine nostalgia, laughter and a table full of delicious treats.

Start with a Nostalgic Menu

One of the easiest ways to celebrate siblings is through food that reminds everyone of growing up. Think about the meals you shared as children and recreate them with a slightly grown-up twist.

Ideas include:

Homemade pizzas where everyone chooses their own toppings

A retro buffet with sausage rolls, scotch eggs and mini quiches

Classic puddings such as sticky toffee pudding or trifle

Milkshakes or floats inspired by childhood treats

You could even recreate the family favourite meal that used to appear on the table when everyone was young. Food has a powerful way of bringing back memories, both good and mischievous.

Make It a Sibling Cook-Off

If your brothers and sisters are competitive (and many are), turn the celebration into a friendly cooking challenge.

Divide into teams and give each team a category such as:

Best comfort food

Best dessert

Best snack platter

Best “childhood throwback” dish

Let everyone vote for the winner. The prize could be something light-hearted such as choosing the next family gathering menu.

Build a Grazing Table

For a relaxed party atmosphere, a grazing table works beautifully. It allows guests to pick and nibble while chatting and sharing stories.

Include:

British cheeses and crackers

Charcuterie or cold meats

Fresh bread and chutneys

Olives, nuts and pickles

Fruit and chocolate bites

It becomes the centrepiece of the celebration and keeps everyone happily snacking.

Raise a Glass Together

A sibling party also deserves a toast. Depending on the mood, you could serve:

Prosecco or sparkling wine

Craft beers

Homemade lemonade or mocktails

A signature cocktail named after a family joke

Encourage everyone to share a favourite memory about their siblings while raising a glass.

Add Some Fun Activities

Food may be the focus, but a few playful activities help keep the atmosphere lively.

Try:

A childhood photo guessing game

“Who said it?” quizzes about family stories

A playlist of songs from the years you grew up together

Expect laughter, and probably a few stories that parents hoped would stay forgotten!

A Celebration of Lifelong Bonds

Siblings can be best friends, fierce rivals, and lifelong allies all at once. National Siblings Day is a chance to celebrate that unique bond.

With good food, a relaxed party atmosphere, and plenty of shared memories, it becomes far more than just another date on the calendar, it becomes a reminder of the people who have been part of your story from the very beginning.

And if the evening ends with everyone arguing over who was Mum’s favourite… well, that’s just part of the tradition!

National Dandelion Day: Celebrating the Humble Wildflower That’s Good for You

Every year on National Dandelion Day (5 April), this much-maligned “weed” gets a moment in the spotlight. 

For gardeners obsessed with immaculate lawns, the dandelion might be public enemy number one. But historically, and nutritionally, it’s one of the most useful plants growing in Britain.

In fact, before weedkillers and pristine turf became fashionable, dandelions were valued as food, medicine, and drink. 

The plant has been used for centuries in traditional cooking and herbal remedies across Europe.

A Wild Plant with a Long History

The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has a remarkable reputation in traditional herbalism. Every part of the plant is edible.

Leaves – often used in salads or cooked like spinach

Flowers – used in fritters, syrups, and wine

Roots – roasted as a caffeine-free coffee substitute

In Britain, older generations may remember dandelion and burdock, the traditional soft drink that became popular in the 19th century and still appears on shop shelves today.

The French even gave the plant its famous name: dent de lion, meaning “lion’s tooth”, referring to the jagged edges of the leaves.

A Forager’s Favourite

Foraging enthusiasts love dandelions because they are easy to identify and incredibly abundant. They thrive in gardens, fields, roadside verges and even cracks in pavements.

The young spring leaves are the most tender and have a pleasant bitter flavour similar to chicory or rocket. They work beautifully in:

wild salads

soups and stews

pesto or herb sauces

sautéed greens

Dandelion flowers can also be battered and fried, made into jelly, or fermented into the traditional dandelion wine beloved in rural Britain.

Surprisingly Nutritious

For such a humble plant, dandelions pack an impressive nutritional punch. The leaves contain:

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Vitamin K

Potassium

Iron

Antioxidants

Herbalists have long used dandelion preparations to support digestion and liver function, though modern research is still exploring these traditional claims.

From Lawn Pest to Kitchen Ingredient

Ironically, many people spend time and money trying to eliminate dandelions from their lawns, while chefs and foragers are happily collecting them for the table.

If you do decide to harvest them yourself, remember a few simple rules:

Pick from areas free from pesticides or road pollution

Harvest young leaves in spring for the best flavour

Wash thoroughly before use

A Flower Worth Celebrating

National Dandelion Day is a reminder that sometimes the most overlooked plants are the most valuable. What many people see as a nuisance is actually a versatile wild ingredient with centuries of culinary and herbal tradition behind it.

So the next time you spot a bright yellow dandelion in the grass, you might look at it a little differently.

It’s not just a weed.

It’s lunch, tea, wine… and a small piece of edible history.

Celebrating National Deep Dish Pizza Day: A Slice of Chicago in Every Bite

Every pizza lover knows there are many ways to enjoy the world’s favourite comfort food. 

Thin and crispy, wood-fired Neapolitan, or loaded takeaway classics all have their fans. 

But once a year, pizza enthusiasts celebrate something a little more substantial. National Deep Dish Pizza Day, observed on 5 April, honours the towering, indulgent creation that turned pizza into something closer to a pie than a flatbread.

For many people, deep dish pizza represents the ultimate comfort food: rich, hearty, and unapologetically generous.

What Makes Deep Dish Pizza Different?

Unlike traditional pizzas, which rely on a thin or moderately thick base, deep dish pizza is built in layers inside a deep pan. The crust climbs up the sides of the dish, creating a sturdy edible bowl for the fillings.

The typical construction goes something like this:

A thick, buttery crust pressed into a deep pan

A generous layer of mozzarella cheese

Toppings such as sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, or peppers

A chunky tomato sauce layered on top

Sometimes finished with Parmesan or herbs

That reversed order, cheese first, sauce last, is deliberate. Because deep dish pizzas cook for longer than standard pizzas, placing the sauce on top prevents the cheese and toppings from burning.

The result is a pizza that’s almost a meal in itself. One slice can feel like a full dinner.

The Chicago Classic

Deep dish pizza is most closely associated with Chicag, where it first gained fame in the 1940s. The style is widely credited to Pizzeria Uno, which introduced the idea of baking pizza in a deep pan to create a richer, more substantial dish.

Since then, Chicago has turned deep dish into a culinary institution. Visitors regularly queue outside famous pizzerias to try their first slice of this legendary pie.

Deep Dish vs Regular Pizza

Fans of traditional pizza sometimes debate whether deep dish even qualifies as pizza at all. But its unique qualities are exactly what make it special.

Deep dish pizza:

Thick crust baked in a pan

Layers of fillings

Chunky tomato sauce on top

Requires a knife and fork for most diners

Traditional pizza:

Thin or medium crust

Sauce beneath the cheese

Usually eaten by hand

It’s less about choosing sides and more about enjoying two very different pizza experiences.

How to Celebrate National Deep Dish Pizza Day

There are plenty of ways to mark the occasion:

Visit a specialist pizza restaurant

Many independent pizzerias now offer deep dish or Chicago-style pies.

Try making one at home

A cast-iron pan or deep cake tin works well for recreating the style.

Experiment with fillings

Deep dish works brilliantly with hearty ingredients like sausage, roasted vegetables, or even spinach and ricotta.

Host a pizza night

Serve deep dish alongside classic thin-crust pizzas and let guests compare the styles.

One Slice Is Never Enough

Deep dish pizza isn’t subtle. It’s bold, filling, and gloriously indulgent, exactly the kind of food celebration days are made for.

So on National Deep Dish Pizza Day, grab a knife and fork, cut yourself a generous slice, and enjoy one of the most satisfying variations of pizza ever invented.

The Hidden Plastic in Tea Bags: Which UK Tea Brands Are Truly Compostable?

Many tea bags marketed as biodegradable contain hidden plastics that won’t break down in home compost. 

Discover which UK tea brands are genuinely plastic-free and compostable.

Not sure whether your tea bags belong in the compost bin? Try these quick checks:

Look closely at the bag

Paper fibre bags look slightly rough and matte.

Pyramid or silky mesh bags are usually plastic or plant-based plastic.

Check the wording on the box

Look for these phrases:

✔ Plastic-free

✔ Home compostable

✔ Plant fibre or abaca

Be cautious with wording like:

Biodegradable

Plant-based plastic

Industrially compostable

These often mean the bag won’t break down in a garden compost heap.

Try a compost test

Place a used tea bag in your compost and check after a couple of months. If the tea has vanished but a mesh skeleton remains, the bag likely contains plastic.

This helps search engines understand the topic cluster around tea and sustainability.

Tracklements award-winning Fresh Chilli Jam adds the heat to sweet with honey!

Do you love a chilli kick but crave rich, golden honey sweetness, too? Then Tracklements has the answer!

Introducing NEW Hilltop Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam Hot Honey.  This is what happens when two top-tasting brands come together - pure, authentic honey and Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam - the UK’s first and multi-award-winning best-seller.

The result is an addictive, sticky-sweet heat you’ll want to drizzle, spoon and savour every single day:

The chilli-and-honey combo delivers a tantalising fusion of heat, fruity undertones, and subtle savoury depth, making it the perfect finishing touch for a wide range of dishes:

Drizzle over creamy cheeses like brie and goat’s cheese

Glaze roast chicken, pork, salmon, cubed sweet potato and tofu

Jazz up chicken wings, grilled halloumi and wood-fired pizza 

Boost burgers and grilled sandwiches 

Spread on toast with avocado topped with a poached (or fried) egg

 The versatility of this little wonder earns it a well-deserved spot in every pantry!

NEW Hilltop Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam Hot Honey, RRP £4.25 for 340g, is available from www.tracklements.co.uk and www.lovehilltop.com.

My wife and I love Tracklements and we love Hill Top Honey, so this is the best of both worlds, as far as we are concerned. 

National Tea Day: Raising a Proper Brew to Britain’s Favourite Drink

Every year on 21 April, Britain pauses (quite happily) to celebrate one of its greatest national institutions: tea. National Tea Day is a joyful tribute to the drink that fuels our mornings, powers our afternoons, and provides comfort in moments of crisis. 

When something goes wrong in Britain, someone inevitably says the magic words: “Put the kettle on.”

Tea isn’t just a beverage here, it’s practically part of our national identity.

A Very British Tradition

Tea first arrived in Britain in the 17th century and quickly became fashionable among the aristocracy before spreading to the wider public. 

By the 18th century it had transformed daily life, becoming a social ritual in homes, tearooms, and workplaces alike.

Today, the UK drinks around 100 million cups of tea every single day, making us one of the biggest tea-loving nations in the world. From builders’ brews in sturdy mugs to delicate afternoon tea poured into fine china, tea bridges class, culture, and generations.

The Perfect Brew

Ask ten Britons how to make the perfect cup of tea and you’ll likely get ten slightly different answers — and possibly a lively debate. However, most would agree on the essentials:

Freshly boiled water

A decent tea bag or loose leaf tea

A proper brew time (usually three to four minutes)

A splash of milk, added carefully

Sugar remains optional, though purists may raise an eyebrow at anything more adventurous.

A Moment to Slow Down

National Tea Day is also about more than just the drink itself. It celebrates the pause that tea brings. In busy modern life, the simple act of making a cup of tea encourages us to slow down, chat with friends, or gather around the kitchen table.

Tea has long been the centre of community life, from family kitchens to office break rooms and village halls.

How to Celebrate National Tea Day

There are plenty of ways to mark the occasion:

Host an afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, and cakes

Try a new tea variety such as Earl Grey, Assam, or Darjeeling

Visit a local tearoom or café

Support British tea brands and independent tea merchants

Invite friends round for a proper tea break

Even something as simple as stepping away from your desk and enjoying a quiet cup can turn an ordinary day into a small celebration.

A Cup That Brings People Together

In a fast-moving world filled with digital distractions, tea remains reassuringly simple. A kettle, a cup, and a few minutes of patience are all you need.

So this National Tea Day, raise a mug, cup, or teapot to the humble brew that has been warming Britain’s hands and hearts for centuries.

After all, whatever the question may be, the answer in Britain is often the same:

Let’s have a cup of tea. Or two! And don't forget the biscuit barrel! 

Pasqua Wines Unveils Fifth Edition of Hey French

Sometimes the wine world takes itself a little too seriously. Not so at Pasqua Wines in Verona, who have just released the fifth edition of one of the cheekiest bottles on the market, a wine provocatively titled Hey French: You Could Have Made It But You Didn’t.

Yes, you read that correctly. Somewhere in France a sommelier probably just sighed loudly.

The Verona-based winery unveiled the latest edition of the wine during its annual press conference at the spectacular Museo Archeologico at Teatro Romano, a suitably dramatic setting for a wine that happily pokes the Bordeaux bear.

A Wine That Breaks the Rules

“Hey French” isn’t just about the name. The wine itself is deliberately unconventional.

Instead of following the traditional “one vintage per bottle” rule, Pasqua uses a multi-vintage blending technique more common in Champagne than in still wines. The new edition blends six vintages, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024, to create a layered, evolving wine that changes character with every sip.

Think of it as the wine equivalent of a greatest-hits album.

The grapes come from Monte Calvarina, a volcanic hillside vineyard sitting around 500 metres above sea level, giving the wine its distinctive mineral backbone.

After fermentation, the blend spends six to eight months ageing in oak barrels before additional refinement in stainless steel. The result? A white wine with serious complexity but a playful personality.

What Does It Taste Like?

According to the winery, the fifth edition delivers:

Exotic fruit notes

Chamomile and sage aromas

Rose buds on the nose

Almond hints from Garganega grapes

Herbaceous touches from Sauvignon Blanc

A subtle volcanic minerality

In short: the kind of wine that practically demands a second glass.

A Global Hit

The cheeky label hasn’t hurt sales either.

Pasqua reports that global revenue for the wine doubled in 2025, with strong demand from Italy, the United States and, rather amusingly, the United Kingdom

It turns out British wine drinkers quite enjoy a little Franco-Italian rivalry with their dinner.

Wine Meets Art

Pasqua also used the event to highlight its continuing love affair with the arts. The winery is sponsoring Verona’s Estate Teatrale Veronese festival and commissioning a large public art installation by artist CB HOYO at the Teatro Romano.

It’s all part of the winery’s broader cultural programme, which has invested around €6.7 million in artistic projects over the past decade, bringing together wine, creativity and public spaces.

A Bottle With Attitude

Wine is often wrapped in centuries of tradition, rules and whispered tasting notes.

Pasqua’s “Hey French” proves it doesn’t always have to be.

Sometimes the best wine stories start with a wink, a raised eyebrow… and a bottle that basically says:

“We did it our way.”

Edible Book Day: When Literature Meets the Kitchen

Every year on 1 April, food lovers, bakers and bookworms celebrate Edible Book Day, a wonderfully quirky event that combines two great pleasures of life: reading and eating.

Originally inspired by the French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, whose famous work The Physiology of Taste explored the relationship between food and culture, the day encourages people to create edible creations inspired by books, authors, or literary characters. 

Think cakes shaped like novels, biscuits decorated with famous quotes, or entire scenes from classic stories recreated in icing and chocolate.

For anyone who enjoys both cooking and reading, it’s the perfect excuse to get creative in the kitchen.

Turning Books into Bakes

The concept is simple: take a book and reinterpret it as something delicious. The results can be as elaborate or as simple as you like.

Some popular ideas include:

“The Great Catsby” cake decorated with feline motifs

Harry Potter butterbeer cupcakes

The Very Hungry Caterpillar fruit platter

Alice in Wonderland tea-party biscuits

At its heart, Edible Book Day is about playful creativity. It’s not just for professional bakers either. Home cooks, families, schools and libraries all join in the fun.

Perfect for Cafés, Bookshops and Libraries

For hospitality venues, this quirky celebration can be a brilliant way to attract customers.

A café could run a literary cake display, where each dessert is inspired by a famous book. A pub might create a themed menu based on classic novels, while a hotel restaurant could host a literary afternoon tea featuring edible “books” made from sponge cake or chocolate.

Bookshops and libraries often take part too, hosting competitions where participants bring their edible creations along for judging. The rules are usually simple: the entry must be entirely edible and clearly inspired by a book or author.

These events are fantastic for families, helping to encourage both reading and creativity in the kitchen.

Easy Edible Book Ideas for Home

If you’d like to celebrate at home, you don’t need complicated baking skills. A few easy ideas include:

A chocolate brownie “book” decorated with icing to resemble a cover

Cupcakes topped with edible paper quotes from favourite novels

Jam sandwiches cut into the shape of stacked books

A sheet cake decorated like an open storybook

Children especially love the chance to turn their favourite stories into food.

A Celebration of Stories and Taste

Edible Book Day reminds us that food and storytelling have always gone hand in hand. Both bring people together, spark conversation and create lasting memories.

Whether you’re recreating a classic novel in cake form, baking literary biscuits, or simply enjoying a good book with a cup of tea and something sweet, it’s a charming celebration of imagination, creativity and the joy of sharing food.

So today, why not pick up a favourite book… and see if you can turn it into something delicious?

Celebrating National Sourdough Bread Day: The Rise of Britain’s Favourite Tangy Loaf

There are few aromas quite as comforting as freshly baked bread, and on National Sourdough Bread Day (1 April) bakers and bread lovers around the world celebrate one of the oldest and most flavourful breads ever created.

Sourdough has enjoyed a remarkable revival in recent years, moving from artisan bakeries into home kitchens across Britain.

What was once considered a specialist craft loaf has become a staple for food lovers who appreciate traditional baking methods, deep flavour, and the simple magic of flour, water, and time.

A Bread With Ancient Roots

Sourdough is believed to be the oldest form of leavened bread, with origins stretching back more than 5,000 years to ancient Egypt. Before commercial yeast was discovered and mass-produced, bakers relied on wild yeast naturally present in flour and the air.

This wild yeast, combined with beneficial bacteria, creates what bakers call a “starter” — a living culture that ferments the dough slowly. The process produces the characteristic tangy flavour, chewy crumb, and beautifully blistered crust that sourdough is famous for.

Unlike fast-rising breads, sourdough rewards patience. Fermentation can take many hours, sometimes overnight, allowing the dough to develop complex flavours that simply cannot be rushed.

Why Sourdough Has Become So Popular

The renewed enthusiasm for sourdough isn’t just about flavour, although that distinctive tang certainly helps. Several factors have driven its modern popularity:

1. Artisan food culture

Consumers increasingly appreciate traditional methods, craft baking, and food with a story behind it.

2. Long fermentation

The slow process can make sourdough easier for some people to digest compared with rapidly produced bread.

3. Simple ingredients

True sourdough contains just flour, water, salt, and a starter, no additives or preservatives.

4. The home baking boom

During lockdowns, many people discovered the joy (and occasional frustration!) of nurturing a sourdough starter and baking their own loaves.

How to Celebrate National Sourdough Bread Day

If you’ve never baked sourdough before, this day is the perfect excuse to explore it. You could:

Visit a local artisan bakery and try a freshly baked sourdough loaf.

Toast thick slices with good butter and sea salt.

Use sourdough for grilled sandwiches, bruschetta, or eggs on toast.

Start your own sourdough starter and begin the rewarding journey of baking at home.

Even a simple slice toasted and topped with honey, jam, or cheese highlights why sourdough has been beloved for centuries.

A Living Tradition

What makes sourdough special is that it’s alive. A well-maintained starter can last for years, even decades, passed between bakers like a culinary heirloom.

Across Britain, small bakeries and enthusiastic home bakers are keeping this ancient tradition thriving, proving that some of the best food innovations aren’t new inventions at all — they’re rediscoveries of techniques that have stood the test of time.

So today, whether you bake your own loaf or pick one up from your favourite bakery, raise a slice to the quiet miracle of flour, water, and wild yeast.

Happy National Sourdough Bread Day.